Zimbabwe – Page 5

Getting an HIV vaccine remains necessary

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

While other biomedical prevention methods have been found to be effective, an HIV vaccine remains necessary as it offers long lasting protection and eliminates the stigma associated with treatment, among other benefits, a recent media science café has heard.

During the media science café organised by the Health Communicators Forum of Zimbabwe, Dr Muchaneta Bhondai-Mhuri, Investigator of Record at the University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC), said while past trials have seen an HIV vaccine remain elusive, every study has provided new information necessary for this endeavor.

According to the National Institute of Health, “a preventative HIV vaccine is given to people who do not have HIV, with the goal of preventing HIV infection in the future.”

Dr Bhondai-Mhuri revealed that the first HIV vaccine trials in Zimbabwe were conducted in 2016 and currently the country is on its fifth trial and several lessons have been learned as the search continues for an efficacious vaccine.

“We know that more than 24 percent of people in the world who have HIV experience problems with accessing HIV treatment. We also know that all HIV prevention modalities have their own challenges that include adherence and just access.

“We know that a vaccine itself can stay in someone’s immune system for a very long time so it entails long term prevention.

“With every HIV vaccine study that is being done, we are learning something new, even if the vaccine does not show us that it is efficacious, we learn something new.

“For example, whilst the HVTN 705 study did not help us to have an efficacious vaccine, it showed us that the vaccine candidate was able to elicit an immune response which means it is possible to have a vaccine that works.

“So that is new information that will lead to the development of a better vaccine, what it means is that what one candidate needs to go back to the lab and to be tweaked for it to improve the effectiveness but we have already learnt something new,” said Dr Bhondai-Mhuri.

She added that though five HIV vaccine studies have been conducted without an effective one, they (trials) are not losses.

“So every study is not a loss, each study that we do teaches us something new and it will help us, yes the road is going to be long but we will get there,” she said.

Dr Bhondai-Mhuri also revealed that currently the country was on the HIV Vaccine Trials Network 140 (HVTN 140) which has 15 participants, showing that these are strides being taken to find a vaccine.

“We have a couple of HIV prevention modalities which have been approved by four authorities and this already includes the long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB LA) which has reached advanced clinical trials stages and is already in implementation trials and then we also have the dapivirine vaginal ring which has been proven to be effective and which also has been approved and we now have the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), the daily oral prevention pill which is broadly available and it’s available whether you go to our council clinic, or you go to your local doctor, you go to your private practitioner, they will be able to offer this prevention method,” she said.

Dr Bhondai-Mhuri added; “however an HIV vaccine is still necessary in the fight against HIV because it eliminates the stigma that is associated with going looking for an HIV prevention tool from your clinic, no one really wants to be seen going to your local clinic daily to look for an HIV prevention pill.

“An HIV vaccine is going to last in your body for longer than the pills, is going to be longer than cab injection and also an HIV vaccine is likely to be one of the best tools in the prevention of HIV compared to any other method.

“It’s likely in the long run to be more effective and more cost effective than most prevention tools because one doesn’t have to visit their clinic often, you don’t have too frequent dossing so yes as a country we will need a method that is cost effective in the prevention of HIV and in safeguarding the health of our people.”

She added that the major challenge in all these years of HIV prevention vaccine trials is that we have not yet found a vaccine that is efficacious is preventing HIV, but it (challenge) was not only unique to Zimbabwe, hence a lot of work will continue to be put to make this dream a reality.

It is estimated that a total of 1,3 million people are living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

NBSZ targets 600 units at World Blood Donor Day celebrations

**NBSZ CEO,** **Lucy Marowa flanked by Radhi Chikwereti (left) and Menard Mutenherwa**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is targeting to collect 600 units of blood during the 2024 World Blood Donor Day celebrations which have been set for next month in the Midlands Province.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday, NBSZ Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Marowa, said this will be the 20^th year anniversary since the launch of the World Donor Day.

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme, “20 years of celebrating giving, thank you blood donors.”

Official day for the World Blood Donor Day is June 14, but Zimbabwe will hold its celebrations on the following day.

“As a country we are celebrating our World Blood Donor Day this year in the Midlands Province. It has been the culture of National Blood Service Zimbabwe that we do our celebrations from province to province.

“In the previous year, we were in Masvingo, then in 2022 we were in Mutare and the year prior to that we were in Matabeleland so we keep rotating our provinces because blood donation is a national programme that’s why we move from province to province.

“So we will be holding our celebrations for 2024 in the Midlands Province and tentatively we have put our venue as Kwekwe High School; all things being equal, we will meet on the Saturday the 15^th of June at Kwekwe High School.

“And we are looking at a target of 600 units that we want to collect on that one day,” said Marowa.

She added that the World Blood Donor Day had become a symbol of recognition for the blood donors as they had done their best to make it donor centric, by bringing in blood donors.

“We have a massive blood drive, we do our donor awards and we make sure that it is a day filled with fun and a lot of activities for our blood donors.

“This is to make sure that as we are saying thank you to the blood donors, they really feel that this is a day that has been set aside for them and they take part in a lot of activities that will be happening for them, by them.

“So this is the reason why we are doing this on a Saturday the 15^th of June in Kwekwe. The following year it could be a different one, there is no formula that we use to select the provinces.

“We just make sure that wherever the donors are, we actually go to them. So all roads lead to Kwekwe this year in the Midlands Province,” said Marowa.

She further revealed that the day had come about at the 58^th World Health Assembly in 2005 where ministers of health from different nations resolved that it is important to recognize the role that voluntary none remunerated blood donors play in the life saving business of the health care.

“Where upon these people (none remunerated blood donors) have taken it upon themselves to give blood free of charge for people that need it in the medical institutions.

“And we all know that voluntary none remunerated blood donations is actually one of the key pillars in the delivery of quality healthcare services.

“There are many forms of blood services that are available. We have what is called family replacement blood donors, we also have what is called paid donors and many other forms that are available.

“But voluntary none remunerated blood donors, which means giving blood without expecting any financial or material gain is considered the safest form of blood model that countries should adopt.

“So in the year 2005, the ministers of health decided that we want to honour the men and women who are giving their blood free of charge, hence the birth of World Blood Donor Day in that particular year. So this year as we celebrate 20 years since the launch of World Blood Donor Day, we are celebrating with a different theme all together.

“This year our theme is actually entitled, “20 years of celebrating giving, thank you blood donors,” added Marowa.

She also revealed that as NBSZ they are calling on corporates and individuals who can partner them so as to make this day a success.

Zim hopes to benefit from US$600 million cervical cancer fund

**Dr Bente Mikkelsen and Dr Douglas Mombeshora-pic WHO Zimbabwe**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Zimbabwe is hoping to be one of the countries set to benefit from US$600 million which global health funders have pledged for the elimination of cervical cancer.

The money is meant for increasing vaccination, screening and treatment of the disease, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports is the fourth most common cancer in women globally.

WHO further reports that there were around 660 000 new cases and around 350 000 deaths in 2022 owing to the disease.

During her recent visit to Zimbabwe along with her colleagues from WHO headquarters, Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director NCD (at WHO Headquarters), said if everything is put in place, the country could benefit from this cervical cancer initiative.

“So we are very happy, this is the first time since the cervical cancer elimination initiative was launched by Dr Tedros (Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General), that many partners come together. So until now, the funding partners were only focusing on more or less on the vaccination.

“So now everybody realised that we have to do at least two things at the same time, we need to vaccinate, we need to screen and treat the early stages and of course we need to offer treatment.

“So I’m very happy this is a good sign, it’s a game changer but as I have said this is not money we can call on just like this, we need to present cases, we need to work with the partners, we need to make World Bank, the Global Fund, the Gates, all these partners, USAID, coming together and they have realized this commitment.

“So this is why I’m here as well, I was invited by the Honourable Minister (Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora), we were both in Colombia (at the Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum), so we are trying to make this happen in Zimbabwe,” said Dr Mikkelsen.

Dr Mikkelsen added that the pledged US$600 million is a lot of money which would go a long way in fighting cervical cancer but countries had to apply for it.

“It’s not money that we can just grab, we need to apply for it, we need to show what we need, so that we have a shopping list of what we need and this is also something that we would want to help you. There are a lot of partners, and I think we can support Zimbabwe to get use on some of these new pledges but also maybe to make the partnerships more efficient,” she added.

Dr Mombeshora said getting global health funders make such a pledge would go a long way in eliminating cervical cancer, as he also revealed that no county could work alone on this fight, hence there is need to have partners.

“We work with partners, you can’t work in isolation, like the doctor (Dr Mikkelsen) said, we met in Colombia; and during that meeting, we came up with this issue of saying we need support and they said for us to be able to support you, we want to see, what is on the ground.

“That’s why we are also taking them to the rural area where the screening starts and the difficulties that are met there, then we can map a way forward.

“Like she said, we will come up with a document from this visit and we will be meeting again in Geneva in three weeks’ time and maybe come up with a concrete arrangement to say how do we move forward, what kind of support can we get from them,” said Dr Mombeshora.

He added, “she mentioned now that there is a fund that has been established of US$600 million, we want to tap into that, so that we can also get equipment, get training so that we strengthen our cervical cancer elimination plan, so that’s the way we are heading to.”

It is reported that while cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, Zimbabwe continues to lose 2 000 women to the disease every, hence there is need for more consented efforts to fight this disease.

And it is also estimated that 3 000 new cases are diagnosed each year as the country is ranked fourth globally and in the region.

Zimbabwe introduced a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in 2018, achieving an impressive coverage rate of 89,7 percent in the first year of introduction.

The country also established screening programmes for early detection of cervical cancer, though the screening coverage remains low, with only 20 percent of the population accessing screening services as of 2019.

It is also reported that urban areas exhibited a screening rate as low as 3 percent, while rural areas saw slightly higher rates of 10 percent.

Screening programmes are available with over 200 sites conducting Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIAC) and 60 sites performing HPV tests for early detection.

Zim sets up new drug and substance elimination agency

**Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The government has approved the setting up of a Security Service and specialized Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency, as the country is currently battling with drug and substance use especially amongst the youths.

Briefing the media following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the agency will be responsible for the enforcement of laws that deal with drug and substance trafficking, use and abuse as well as coordinating efforts of other support services.

He also revealed that the “prevalence of drug and substance abuse has become a global issue and Zimbabwe has not been spared.

“Drug and Substance Abuse has become a threat to economic development, social harmony, health and wellbeing, public order and security.

“Cabinet has thus approved the Principles for the enactment of the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Agency Bill, 2024 that paves way for the establishment of an additional Security Service and specialized Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency.

“The Agency will be responsible for the enforcement of laws that deal with drug and substance trafficking, use and abuse as well as coordinating efforts of other support services,” said Minister Muswere.

Minister Muswere also reported that government continues to intensify its response against drug and substance abuse across the country.

“Since January 2024, about 6 148 people were arrested, 677 were suppliers and 5 471 were end-users.

“A total of 106 illegal drug and substance trading bases were identified, raided and destroyed in Harare, Shamva, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Bulawayo and Mutare. “Fifty-one liquor outlets were charged for operating without the correct licenses and while 268 operators were also arrested for violating license conditions, 17 outlets had their licenses cancelled for violating operating conditions.

“A total of 311 countrywide inspections on medicine outlets were conducted and 62 lines of medicines were confiscated.

“Awareness campaigns on drug and substance abuse are being accelerated targeting adults, youths and children.

“Cabinet has approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030 that outlines a comprehensive strategic approach to address the escalating threat of drug and substance abuse to public health, economic growth, national security, and social stability in Zimbabwe,” added Minister Muswere.

He also reported that the decentralization of the Drug and Narcotics Department will be expedited as cabinet also approved the review and updating of fine structure of the organization and directed that suppliers must be prosecuted through the courts and not through spot fines.

“Establishment of outpatient Psychosocial Support Centers and parenting groups countrywide as well as the purchase of psychotropic medicines and food provisions for rehabilitation centers will be expedited.”

It was also reported that empowering the youths remains critical hence the Youth Service training programme will start in June 2024 at Dadaya and Vumba Training Centres.

“In addition, as a key measure to reduce indulgence, ensuring financial inclusivity is being heightened and a total of USD20 000 has been loaned to youths across the country for income generating projects through the Empower Bank.”

When grace locates you

…the story of Kensington Marufu

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

“I want you to believe that God exists, I want you to appreciate life from an angle of grace; that there is a certain thing called grace.”

The above were the words of 34-year-old Kensington Marufu, who was diagnosed with HIV when he was just aged 10 and the doctor who attended to his family said they only had five years to live.

Despite facing huge setbacks, including losing family members to the HIV virus, stigma, discrimination, missing out on precious school time and working at various farms to earn a living, Marufu triumphed to become a legal practitioner and author.

Marufu was one of the key speakers at a recent media workshop organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC) in Chinhoyi.

And his presentation titled, “Testimony-Positively HIV positive,” touched many attendees, including the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, who said Marufu’s testimony was “proof that living with HIV is not the end of life.”

Marufu revealed that along with his parents and brother, they tested HIV positive in the year 2000 and the doctor said they would all not live beyond five years.

“When we got tested on the 23^rd of March 2000, the doctor who attended to us estimated that we were not likely to live more than five years.

“It meant that I had about five years to live. Those days there was no medication, there were no ARVs (anti retrovirals), we were just taking cotrimoxazole and when I was in Grade 5, I knew most of those pills.

“So stereotypes unfortunately got affirmed, my brother passed on in 2003, my mother passed on in 2004 but my dad went beyond five years, actually he passed on in 2006,” revealed Marufu.

For some time, Marufu went into hiding, because of the labeling that was common during that time.

“I then realized that I was actually hiding from myself and it took me years to appreciate that there are certain things in life that we can never change and we will not go forward in life until we appreciate who we are.”

He revealed that he was called names such as “Go Slow”, and when he sat for his O-Level exams, he only managed to pass one subject, English with a B; and it meant that he had to go stay with his grandmother in Shackleton, Chinhoyi.

And there life was tough; as people were judged by how they could perform hard labour.

“So we were working in farms, not that I had the strength but I had no choice, I had friends who would assist me, those were the days when I also had a tattoo, a mohawk and I was smoking marijuana because I wanted to fit in.

“I had lost faith in life, I stopped believing in myself, I stopped believing in life, I stopped believing in a lot of things, you know losing parents who loved you and appreciated you and then growing up in an environment where you are unfairly judged really affected me, so I started taking some drugs,” narrated Marufu.

He further revealed that how the HIV messages were packaged in those days also affected him as some of the phrases in use included, “AIDS kills”, “mukondombera” and “chakatikuuya chiya”, as this brought fear.

“When I was in Shackleton, things were really tough and I did not expect to live until now, but God was with me throughout the time.

“When I’m telling my story, I want you to believe that God exists, I want you to appreciate life from an angle of grace; that there is a certain thing called grace,” he said.

Kensington also revealed that in 2010 when he was now 20 years-old; he went to his late father’s bank and he was notified that he (father) had left US$1000 in his account.

He revealed that when all due processes were done, he wanted to use the money to buy a Mazda 323; but he was warned against and was advised that going back to school was the best option.

And he went back to school and rewrote his O-Levels but that also had its own challenges because of his advanced age as the name calling started again.

“Because I was very old, I was called many names like kadhara, but one thing that my mum told me before she died was that when people laugh at you, laugh with them, they will feel embarrassed.

“So when people called me kadhara, I would correct them to say no, call me mudhara because I was actually the eldest at the school.

“Then I rewrote my O-Levels in 2011 and passed eight subjects, I had 4As, 3Bs and a C,” revealed Marufu.

While he thought he would easily get a job maybe as a cop or soldier, it was not to be; as “some of the things that hindered me had something to do with my health, my age, there were a lot of things involved.”

Despite passing his O-Levels; in 2012 he was just at home, the same with 2013 and at one time he was herding some old lady’s cattle.

“The old lady would brag that her herd boy had passed Mathematics and English.

“I didn’t have any problems with that because I had passed the two subjects and I was also a herd boy; that’s life.

“In 2014, a certain guy called Kuda approached me to say if I assist you to go for A-Level, would you take the opportunity.

“I was now 24; but then there is a verse in the Bible that says; I know the plans I have for you, so because I was desperate, I accepted.

“And I started my Form 5 at St Pauls Musami; and as always, teachers would ask for our ages and then people would know.

“You would get nicknames and being at a boarding school I would share hostels, so I had my medication but then I didn’t want people to know, but it was really difficult,” he narrated.

He went on to reveal to NAC that taking medication is one of the challenges for children living with HIV who learn at boarding schools because they get to share hostels.

Despite the challenges he faced, Marufu revealed that it didn’t affect him academically as he went on to ace, first becoming a class monitor, then Deputy Headboy, before later scoring 15 point when he sat for his A-Level exams in 2015.

Marufu then enrolled into Law School and today he is a Legal Officer at a company in the capital.

**Minister Jenfan Muswere receives the novel titled “Touched by Grace”, from author and lawyer, Kensington Marufu**

He then wrote a book titled “Touched by Grace”, which is about his life with HIV.

He said of the book; “because I understand that there is another Kensington out there, I’m not alone like what I’m saying, there is another Kensington going through similar challenges but that Kensington does not have role models.

“Because most of the people like Kensington are in hiding, they will never expose themselves, they will hide, they will succeed but in hiding. “So that Kensington is just where he is and he doesn’t know if there is anything in life.

“So I have written a book, maybe one day that Kensington will read the story of Kensington and appreciate life; that life can change, God can make things possible.

“The title of the book is called Touched by Grace; because grace touched me. I would not have achieved this without God, because the life was actually too complicated,” he added.

And Marufu took the opportunity to hand over his book to Minister Muswere, describing it as a special moment for him, considering his journey to success.

MCAZ recalls Benylin Paediatric Syrup

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has recalled Benylin Paediatric 100ml Syrup that could have been illegally imported into the country, following reports that some batches pose fatal effects to children.

The recall follows reports from National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) of Nigeria regarding the recall of Benylin Paediatric 100ml Syrup, batch number 329304, manufactured by Johnson and Johnson, South Africa.

Also, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the manufacturer further identified another batch 329303 that is affected; bringing the affected batches to two; 329303 and 329304.

The two batches are said to be causing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death.

“While the Authority confirms that this product was registered in 2023 for use in Zimbabwe, our import database does not show a record of the importation of this product and more specifically these two batches. “However, there is a concern that through illegal means, the aforementioned batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup may find their way into the local market. As a precautionary measure, the Authority is issuing a recall notice of this product,” revealed MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata in a statement issued this Monday.

Rukwata further revealed that following the reports, the “authority will intensify its market surveillance activities through strict premises inspections and public awareness to ensure that these products are not circulated.”

He revealed that “according to NAFDAC, recent laboratory analysis has revealed unacceptably high levels of Diethylene glycol in this formulation.

“Diethylene glycol is a contaminant which is toxic for humans when consumed. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death,” said Rukwata.

He however said it was unlikely that members of the public are in possession of and/or come across this product but if it so happens, he called on them to notify the authority and/or healthcare provider immediately and desist from administering them to children.

“The cooperation of all stakeholders is essential in ensuring the right of citizens to safe and good quality medicines is protected.

“The mandate of the MCAZ is to protect public health by ensuring that all medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective, and of good quality and will continue to monitor the situation in line with the WHO guidelines.

“The Authority also urges members of the public to access medicines from licenced persons and premises for easier monitoring. The Authority and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to eradicate any substandard and falsified health products,” he added.

Journalists play critical role in ensuring a healthy nation-Minister Muswere

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA recently in CHINHOYI

Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere has said journalists play a critical role in ensuring a healthy nation as they disseminate the much needed information to combat the spread of diseases.
Minister Muswere said the media’s role on the dissemination of information on diseases like HIV and AIDS, cholera and Covid-19 can never underestimated.
He was speaking at a media workshop organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC) in Chinhoyi last week.
The workshop was meant to update the media on the response to HIV and related conditions and also to discuss how the media can contribute towards ending AIDS by 2030.
“Journalists have a role to play in national development, journalists have a role to play in health matters and in nation building because the health of the population defines the past, defines the current circumstances, the challenges, opportunities and the resilience, the dedication and commitment of Zimbabweans.
“The health of the nation also defines the future of our country and journalists have a role to play as we journey towards an upper middle income society by the year 2030,” he said.
He added that he was advised that the country had done extremely well to reduce the HIV prevalence and NAC attributes part of that success to the role of the media in raising awareness, in educating the population of Zimbabwe, in informing the nation of Zimbabwe.
“The role of the journalists, the media in articulating critical issues whether its transmission of HIV and AIDS, or the most important aspect in terms of stigmatization and the same time the role of the media in ensuring that drug provision, in ensuring that we leave no one behind, that all the people in the four corners of our country are knowledgeable on the issues of HIV and AIDS.
“Knowledge is power and education is the key and education is being supported through a deliberate segmented approach in English and other important local languages.
“The media is in a position to articulate with ease the challenges, the behaviours that are expected, the health solutions that are available in our country for us to be able to achieve the success story in terms of the HIV prevalence in our country and Zimbabwe has managed and achieved and score significant gains as we combat epidemics and pandemics in our country.
“All successes stories are attributed to the role of the media, the role of the media teams who have worked with the members of the Fourth Estate,” added Minister Muswere.
Similar sentiments were also echoed by NAC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bernard Madzima in a speech read on his behalf by Amon Mpofu, Monitoring Evaluation Director, who said creating mutual partnerships with the media was important in telling the HIV and AIDS story.
“In convening this workshop, we are convinced that the proper flow of information on HIV and AIDS requires a mutual partnership between the media and ourselves,” he said.
He added that the partnership has led to the sharing of information, accurate and responsible reporting which in-turn contributes to the development agenda as enshrined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“Our strong belief in the role of the role of the media which already has been instrumental in improving our response.
“Workshops such as this one compliments our other efforts which include media tours, media awards and our regular dissemination of our diaries to the media,” added Dr Madzima.
NAC Board Member, Tatenda Chipungudzanye, added that journalists can contribute effectively to the national efforts to tame the HIV pandemic through their work.

Collective efforts needed to fight HIV stigma and discrimination

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Ending HIV related stigma is not only morally crucial but it is also vital for the public health and socio-economic development of the country, it has been revealed.

During a workshop on the Zimbabwe HIV Stigma Index Action Plan, it was also noted that stigma had to be eradicated if the country is to attain its targets in HIV management.

This is comes at a time when the country’s 2022 HIV stigma index stands at 69,7 percent, up from 2014’s figure of 65,5 percent.

According to UNAIDS, HIV stigma index is the standardized tool to gather evidence on how stigma and discrimination impacts the lives of people living with HIV.

Tatenda Makoni, Executive Director at ZNNP+ said as a country, it was worrisome that while the stigma index was supposed to be going down, it was actually on the rise.

Abisha Jonga, Senior Programmes Manager at Zim-TTECH, said as a clinical partner, they notice that stigma is a major barrier to various efforts to ensure that we attain not only the 95-95-95 targets but actually the 100-100-100 targets.

“But what is critical is that for us to reach those high targets, stigma and discrimination needs to be addressed at all costs, not only today but as of yesterday, if not last year, if not five years ago.

“The reason being, due to stigma and discrimination, people are not open enough to disclose their status which actually is a starting point towards prevention and then again because of lack of disclosure, people are not going to find it easy to adhere to their medication.

“Then they will have to hide each time they need to take their medication. We have realized that due to the issues around failure to adhere to medication, we are then having a situation where viral suppression is getting highly compromised because people are not taking their medication as expected, every day, same time, same time every day; they can’t achieve that if they experience stigma and discrimination.

“What we have also noted in our work with stigma, it varies across different sub population, where even parents are afraid of disclosing their own status to the children or the children’s status to the children themselves,” revealed Jonga.

He also emphasized that people should work together so as to ensure there is a full program to address stigma and discrimination.

It was also revealed during the workshop that another issue of concern is internalized stigma or self-stigma.

Winnet Manyadza, Clinic and Further Education Manager at CONNECT Zimbabwe Institute Systemic Therapy, said internalized stigma was also a stumbling block to all the efforts being put in the HIV fight.

“We are committed to work together so that we strengthen those strategies, so that people living with HIV will live lives which are free of internalized stigma, we would want to see people living lives free from negative thoughts of their HIV status,” said Manyadza.

Shamiso Yikoniko, Technical Advisor-Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization at Zimbabwe Association for Church Related Hospitals, also revealed that stigma and discrimination surrounding various aspects of society including health conditions such as HIV and AIDS can hinder progress and perpetuate inequality. “It is our collective responsibility to champion a society that embraces compassion, empathy and inclusivity. To address this issue, we must first recognize that stigma and discrimination are rooted in ignorance, fear and misconceptions.

“Ending stigma and discrimination is not solely the responsibility of a selected few, it is an obligation that each one of us must embrace, let’s examine our own biases, examine attitudes and promote empathy and understanding within our circle of influence,” said Yikoniko.

Belinda Chindove, Senior Strategic Information and Evaluation Officer at Zimbabwe Health Interventions said

HIV related stigma remains a significant challenge in the country, hindering access to vital HIV prevention, treatment and care services.

She added that it is essential that we confront this issue head on and work collectively so as to create a more compassionate and informed society.

“Let us acknowledge the few key points, understanding stigma, it is not just a word, it’s a real world consequence.

“People living with HIV face many issues, denial of employment, housing and education.

“They may even experience violence; by addressing stigma, we can address the lives of those affected by HIV, let us break the silence.

“HIV related discrimination is a violation of human rights, everyone deserves respect,” she added.

Isheunesu Nhiringi, Technical Advisor Community Support at OPHID, revealed that the increase in stigma was worrisome and is not supposed to be taken lightly.

“The increase in stigma and discrimination from 65,5 percent in 2014 to 69,7 percent in 2022 is a wakeup call and testament to gaps in our current system.

“In Zimbabwe, combating HIV and AIDS is not just about medical treatment, it is about confronting a deeply engraved stigma and discrimination that exacerbates the epidemic.

“Our collective efforts to end stigma is not only morally imperative but also vital for the country’s public health and socio-economic development,” revealed Nhiringi.

He added that the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS did not only marginalize those living with the virus but also hinder prevention and access to treatment.

“Fear of discrimination prevents individuals from getting tested, seeking treatment and disclosing their status, perpetuating the spread of the virus.

“Furthermore, stigma leads to social exclusion, loss of employment opportunities and undermines the overall wellbeing of the affected individual and the community. “Addressing stigma and discrimination requires multifaceted approaches including education, advocacy and policy change. We must challenge myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS through community outreaches and awareness campaigns.

“Empowering individuals with accurate information can dispel fear and encourage acceptance. Moreover, legal and policy frameworks must be strengthened to protect the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS and prevent discrimination in healthcare settings, workplaces and society at large,” added Nhiringi.

He also revealed that ensuring equal access to health care and opportunities for all regardless of HIV status, is not just a moral obligation but a strategy imperative for sustainable development.

And he added that by fostering a culture of compassion, understanding and inclusivity, an environment can be created “where individuals feel safe to seek support, access treatment and live fulfilling lives without fear of judgment or discrimination.”

Similar sentiments were also echoed by Imelda Mahaka, Executive Director at Pangea Zimbabwe who revealed that while significant strides had been made in preventing HIV infections, stigma and discrimination was threatening to derail such progress.

“We have come a long way and made sterling progress in preventing HIV infections and putting people living with HIV on optimized regiments, the biggest threat to the gains in the HIV response and to sustain epidemic control is stigma and discrimination.

“We need to appreciate the complexity in the various forms of stigma at individual and community systems levels.

“More importantly, we need to appreciate the intersectionality of stigma for example as Pangea Zimbabwe, we serve communities and individuals who experience stigma either because they are on PrEP or living with HIV but also because, the same individual is a member of the KP (key population) community experiencing gender based violence or has mental health issues or is probably using drugs,” revealed Mahaka.

ZimStat undertakes Oral Cholera Vaccine Coverage Survey

**a child gets cholera vaccine-pic by Tanaka Ziyavaya**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) will be undertaking the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) coverage survey listing of households exercise from tomorrow (the 14^th) to the 22^nd of March 2024.

The listing exercise which aims to establish a comprehensive sampling frame, from which households to be covered in OVC Coverage Survey will be selected, will be conducted in seven provinces.

According to a statement by ZimStat, the listing will be conducted in Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo and Midlands.

It is said the OCV coverage survey aims to collect data to ascertain the following among others, “cholera prevention and control, oral cholera vaccine coverage rates, knowledge and awareness levels about cholera, the utilization of sanitation facilities and safe water sources.”

The statement further read that “statistics produced from the survey are critical for policy formulation and decision making relating to the following among others; “prevention health interventions, human capital development strategies, macroeconomic planning and social programs targeting cholera prevention.”

It was also added that the survey will be conducted under provisions of the Census and Statistics Act (Chapter 10:29) and that information collected from is strictly confidential and will be issued solely for statistical purposes.

The country launched the OCV campaign on January 29, targeting cholera hotpots in the country and as at March 6, it is reported that 2 121 784 people had received the vaccine.

On Tuesday March 12, the country recorded 127 new suspected cholera cases, one suspected death and two laboratory confirmed death.

And as of March 12, the country had recorded 28 247 cumulative suspected cases, 2 779 cumulative cases, 27 532 recoveries, 71 confirmed deaths and 515 suspected deaths.

I’m back home-Zivhu

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Former Chivi South Legislator, Killer Zivhu who was fired from Zanu-PF four years ago for indiscipline has been re-admitted back into the party.
Zivhu who is known in Masvingo Province for his philanthropic works, revealed his re-admission in a video which he posted on Wednesday.
In the video, Zivhu thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF Politburo for his re-admission promising that he was ready to work for the community in Chivi.
“I want to thank President Mnangagwa and the whole politburo team for re-admitting me into the revolutionary party. I also want to thank the people of Masvingo Province for standing with me, I also want to thank all the comrades in Zimbabwe in the revolutionary party in Zimbabwe who prayed for me.
“And I also want to thank all the Zimbabweans for the prayers.
“It’s now work as usual,” said Zivhu.
He also revealed that he had been re-admitted “without conditions.”
He added, “I’m ready to go and assist the community of Chivi and other communities as well and work towards the Vision 2030 that President Mnangagwa has set.
“I’m so happy and I’m so excited to join my family; I was born and bred in Zanu-PF and I’m back in the revolutionary party.”
Zivhu had been fired on accusations of pushing for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
He was accused of breaking party protocol and was fired after he allegedly ignored several warnings.